Danny Cipriani not made Melbourne Rebels vice-captain due to repair his reputation, says coach Rod Macqueen

Melbourne Rebels coach Rod Macqueen has dismissed suggestions that Danny
Cipriani has been made vice-captain for the team's first ever match as part
of a calculated move to draw the best out of the England fly-half by giving
him extra responsibilities.

The decision by Rebels' director of rugby for Saturday’s game against Tonga is a calculated risk. Before his controversial move from London Wasps at the end of last season, Cipriani fell out of favour with England coach Martin Johnson and was criticised for his celebrity lifestyle and failure to make the most of his ability.

Rebels have attempted to shield Cipriani from the media spotlight since his arrival in Melbourne, but the 23 year-old has still managed to attract attention by taking former Neighbours actress Stephanie McIntosh to a club function last week.

However, when asked if Cipriani had been given the role of vice-captain to ensure his focus remains solely on rugby, Macqueen said: "That's not true. We won't announce our captain or vice-captains for the next couple of weeks.

"This is pretty typical of what the English press are doing, it's all hype.

"In trials we just use the No 8s and five-eighths as captains and vice-captains.